Arts & Culture
Annual island visitor musician Kelly McGuire gives back to the community
Kelly McGuire, the Texas-based singer-songwriter, is currently in San Pedro, Belize, for his annual birthday celebration. He is known for his popular songs inspired by island life and actively engages with fans through performances and events during his stay. This year, he will host a special concert on February 6th for the Saga Humane Society.
Arts & Culture
Belize Chocolate Company Sweetens Education with $2,000 Art Supply Donation
The Belize Chocolate Company generously contributed to the local community on Tuesday, January 21st, by donating art supplies valued at over $2,000 to three primary schools in San Pedro Town. The supplies included paints, pencils, sketching pads, and various craft materials. This initiative is part of the company's ongoing commitment to support local education, which began with the launch of their ART Bar chocolate bar last year. The ART Bar features the work of talented Belizean artists, and a portion of each bar sold is allocated for purchasing art supplies for schools.
Arts & Culture
A story of love; Houston-based artist proposes in San Pedro
Houston, Texas-based artist Alex Roman Jr., who goes by the name donkeeboy on Instagram, and his mother, Sylvia Roman (donkeeymom), have become regular visitors to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, over the years. They have beautified the town with their talent, painting several murals in and around downtown San Pedro. In mid-November, Roman returned to La Isla Bonita on a special mission—to propose to his girlfriend. After creating another stunning mural on Barrier Reef Drive, he surprised his future wife with a unique and artistic marriage proposal.
Arts & Culture
Island celebrations for Garifuna Settlement Day dampened by Tropical Storm Sara
This year, Tropical Storm Sara put a damper on Garifuna Settlement Day activities on the island, leading to the cancellation of the main celebrations. Although there were drumming events at establishments operated by the Garifuna community, traditional events such as parades, large concerts, and the Yurumein (the re-enactment of the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize) were notably absent. Despite this, the public and bank holiday allowed islanders to enjoy traditional Garifuna dishes, including the popular Hudut.
Arts & Culture
National Garifuna Council announces theme for 2024 Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations
On September 23rd, the National Garifuna Council (NGC) proudly revealed the theme for the 19th Garifuna Celebrations 2024: "Afeduha waméi wagücha, afareinha waméi wanichigu - Celebrating the roots of the Garifuna culture!" This theme, inspired by Biviana McDougall, a teacher from Gulisi Community Primary School and chosen by the committee from the Garifuna Language Commission, underscores the significance of honoring cultural, familial, and historical origins. It highlights traditions and values that have shaped the Garifuna community, emphasizing the vital role of passing down knowledge, values, and experiences to future generations.
Arts & Culture
Belizean composer Errollyn Wallen appointed Master of the King’s Music
A Belizean-born composer, pianist, singer, and songwriter, Errollyn Wallen, made history as the first black woman to be appointed as Master of the King's Music by King Charles. The appointment took place on Monday, August 26th. Wallen, known for her compositions for prestigious events, has participated in the BBC Proms, the 2012 Paralympic Games, and Queen Elizabeth II's jubilees. She succeeded Dame Judith Weir and is now the first woman to hold the 10-year position of Master of the King's Music.
Arts & Culture
Artist Tysen Knight engages island youth in a creative art workshop
On Saturday, August 10th, a Creative Workshop was held at the San Pedro House of Culture by Tysen Knight, an international artist, muralist, and award-winning filmmaker from Palm Springs, California, USA. The event was organized during Knight's visit to his long-time friends and art collectors, Catherine and Joseph Cooper. The workshop, known as the “Tysen Knight Experience,” engaged two groups of local school children and aspiring young artists in a unique hands-on art experience, igniting their creativity and providing the opportunity to put their imaginative spin on Knight’s signature pieces.
Arts & Culture
Island schools showcase diverse talents at the 2024 Festival of Arts
On Monday, May 20th, a vibrant sense of community and shared pride filled the air as students from different preschools, primary schools, and secondary schools gathered at the San Pedro edition of the Belize National Festival of Arts Annual Show. The event, which started at 9AM and ended at 12:30PM, was a testament to the rich artistic heritage of our island. Held at the Sage Brush Church in San Pedro Town, the event drew many residents eager to celebrate island students' talents.
